


No. CXIV. 

THE MINOR DRAMA. 



A DECIDED CASE; 

A DRAMATIC SKETCH, IN ONE ACT. 
BY JOHN BROUGHAM. 



WITH CAST OF CHARACTERS, STAGE BUSINESS, COSTUMES, 
RELATIVE POSITIONS, &c., &c. 



AS PERFORMED AT THE PRINCIPAL THEATRES. 



I 

' N E W Y R K: 



SAMUEL FRENCH, 

122 Nassau Street, (Up Stairs.) 
PRICE,] [12J CENTS. 



FRENCH'S STAfflARD DRAMA. 

Price 12^^ Cents each. — Bound Volumes $1. 



VOL. I. 



l.Ton. 

2. Fazio, 

3. The Lady of Lyons, 

4. Richelieu, 

5. The Wife, 

6. The Honeymoon, 

7. The School for Scandal, 

8. Money. 
Withal'oftrait and Memoir 

ofMrs. A:C. MOWATT. 

VOL. IV. 

25. Virginias, 

26. King of the Commons, 

27. London Assiirince, 

28. The Rent D-y. 

29. Two Genilemea of Ve- 

ri)ni, 

30. The Je ilous Wife, 

31. The Rivals, 

32. Perfection. 
With a Porirait and INIemoir 

of Mr. J. H. HACKETT. 

VOL. VII. 

49. Road to Ruin, 

50. Macbeth, 
5L Temper, 

52. Evadne, 

53. Bertram, 

54. The Duenna, 

55. Much Ado About No- 

thing, 

56. The Critic. 
WithaPi)rtraitand Memoir 

of R. B. SHERIDAN. 



VOL. X. 

73. Henry Vl[l., 

74. Married and Single, 
7.5. Henry IV., 

76. Paul Pry, 

77. Guy Minnering, 

78. Sweethearts and Wives, 

79. Serious Family, j 

80. She Stoop? to Conquer. 
VVitha Portra-tand Memoir 

of Miss, ecus :LM AM. 

VOL. XIIL 

97. Soldier's Daughter, 

98. Douglas, 
98. Marco Spida, 

100. Nature's Nobleman, 

101. Sirdanapilus, 

102. Civilization, 

103. The R..bher«, 

104. Kntharine & Petruchio 
With a Portrait and IMemoir 

of ED WIN FOREST. 



VOL. IL 

9. The Strangfr, 

10. Grandfather Whitehead 

11. Richard ill., 

12. Iiove's Sacrifice, 

13. 'I'he Gams.ster. 

14. A Cure lor the Heartache 

15. The llunciiback, 
!(). Do.i Cffisar de IJnzan. 
With a Portrait and Memoir 

of Mr. ClIAS. KICAN. 

VOL. V. 

33. A New Way to P.iy Old 

Debt?, 
.34. liook Before You Leap, 

35. King John, 

36. Nervous Man, 

37. Damo:! and I'ythias, 
.33. ClaMdestine Marriage, 

39. William 'Pell, 

40. Day after the Wedding. 
With a Portra't and Memoir 
of G. COLMAN the Elder. 

VOL. VIIL 

57. The Aposla'e, 
.58. Twelfth Night, 
39. Brutus, 

60. Simpson & !o , 

61. Merchant of Venice, 

62. Old Heads and Young 
Hearts, 

63. Mountaineers, 

64. Three Weeks after Mar- 
riage. 

With a Portrait and IMemoir 
of Mr. GEO. H. BARRETT. 

VOL. XL 

8L Julius CiPsar, 

82. Vicir of Wakefield, 

83. liCap Year, 
81. The Catspaw. 
85. The Passing Cloud, 
S6. Drunkard, 

87. Rol) Roy, 

88. Georae Barnwell, 
With a Portrait and Memoir 

ofMr.s. JOHN SEFTON. 

VOL. XIV. 

105. Game f Love, [Dream. 

106. A Midsninaier Night's 

107. Ernestine, 

108. Rng Picker of Paris, 

109. Flying Dutchman, 

110. Hypocrite, 
ill. Therese, 
112. LaTourdeNesle. 
With a Po'tnit and Memoir 

of JOHN BROUGHAM. 
[Cntaloffue cov tinned, on third paffe 



VOL. III. 

17. The Poof 'Gentleman, 

18. Hamlet, 

19. Charles IT., 

20. Venice Preserved, 

21 . Pizarro, 

■J2. TJie Love Chase, 

23. Othello, 

24. Len<l Me Five Shillings 
With a Portrait and Memoir 

of ftlr W £. BURTON. 

VOL. VL 

n. Speed the Plough, 

42. Romeo and Juliet, 

43. Feudal Times, 

44. Charles the Twelfth, 

45. The Bridal, 

46. The Follies of a Night, 

47. 3'he Iron Chest, 

48. Faint Heart Never Won 

Fair Lady. 
With a Portrait and Memoir 
of E. BULWER LYTTON. 

VOL. IX. 

05. T<ove, 

66. As You Like It, 

67. The Elder Brother, 

68. Werner, 

69. Gisipjnis, 

70. Town and Country, 

71. King Lear, 

72. Blue Devils. 

With a Portrait and Memoir 
of Mrs. SHAW. 



VOL. XIL 

89. Tngnmar, 

90. Sketches in India. 

91. Two Friends, 

92. Jane Shore. 

93. Corsica n Brothers, 

94. Mind your own Business 

95. Writing on the Wall, 
90. Heir at Law, 

With a Portrait and Memoir 
of THOMAS HAMBLIN. 

VOL. XV. 

113. Irelnnd as it Is, 

114. Sea of fee. 

1 15. Seven Clerks, 

116. Game of Life, 

117. Forty Thieves 

118. Bryan Boroihme, 
iI9. Romance and Reality, 
120. Ugolino. 

With a Portrait and Memoir 
of BARNEY WILLIAMS. 
of cover.] 



THE MINOR DRAMA 

No. CXIV. 



DECIDED CASE. 



DRAMATIC SKETCH, IN ONE ACT. 



J H N B R O u'g ham 



TO WHICH ARE ADDED, 

A Description of the Costumes— Cast of the Characters— E ntrances and Exits^ 

Relative Positions of the Performers on the Stage, and the whole of the 

Stage Business. 



NEW-YORK : 
SAMUEL FREINTCH, 

122 Nassau-St. — Up Stairs. 






Cast of Ctjaractcrs— (A Decided Case.) 



Wallace's Theatre, N. Y. 

Captain the Honorable Dudley Vere Mr. I^ester 

Mr. Perctval Peters 

Slubbs G. Holland 

Ladi/ Angela Villiers Mrs. Hoey 

Mrs. St. Leger \ Silvester. 

Co STUME s — Modern. 



STAGE DIRECTIONS. 



EXITS AND ENTRANCES. 

L. means First Entrance, Left. R. Fimt Entrance, Right. S. E. L. 
Second Entrance, Left. S. E. R. Second Entrance, Right. U. E. L. 
Uyper Entrance, Left. U. E. R. Upper Entrance, Riqht. C. Centre. 
L. C. Left of Centre. R. C. Riqht of Centre. T. E. L. lldrd Entrance, 
Left. T. E. R. Ttdrd Entrance, Right. C. D. Centre Door. I). R. 
Door Right. D. L. Door Left. U. D. L. Upper Door, Left. U. D. R. 
Upper Door, Right. 

*j^* 21ie Reader is supposed to be on the Stage, facing the Audience. 

Entered, aocordinpr to Act of Confess, in the year One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty-Seven, by 
John Bbougham, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court cif the United SUtes. for the Southern Di»- 
teict of New York, 



A DECIDED CASE. 



Scene I. — Elegant homloir hi the house ry Lady Angela Viluers— 
Centre doors in flat — Fireplace u-ilh fire alight — China vases, <^c., on 
mantel — Centre-table covered with articles of vertu, cj-c. 

Enter Stubbs, c. d., ejected from room. 

Slubbs. Oh ! very well, just as you like ; but if you ain't the pig- 
headedest customer I ever laid eyes upon, never trust me, and not one 
oi us either — only a retired fishmonger from Leadenhall market! I 
told my lady how it would be when her ladyship took it into her liead 
to let her house, while this exhibition was going on — just for the sake 
of charity, too. I wish she hadn't ; it makes me perfectly savage ! 
Why, he hasn't got no respect whatever for the owner of this house, 
because she made me promise not to tell who she was, but to say that 
her name was Brown — and to make matters worse, that's the con- 
founded fishmonger's name ! Pshaw ! It gives me a stitch in my side 
every time I mention the word. Calls her the landlady until my feel- 
ings is almost too much for my waistcoat. But, thank fortune, it will 
be all over with Mr. Impudence to-day. My lady is a-coming here her- 
self, and then won't he have to start ! I have given him notice to quit 
a dozen times already, by my lady's order, and not one step will he 
budge ! Won't she be in a jolly temper \ I wouldn't be in his boots 
for a trifle, when the meeting does take place ! 

Eiiter Captain Dudley Vere {Drcssing-gowyi, pipe, ^c.) 

Capt. What are you soliloquizing about, friend Stubbs ] 

Slubbs. Good gracious ! Tobacco in this apartment — and my lady 
coming home to-day ! Sir I you mustn't smoke here ! Do you know 
where you are, rash fishmonger I 

Capt. In a very pleasant and comfortable snuggery, it would seem. 

Stuhbs. You're in my lady's — Mrs Brown's — boudoir, where nobody 
ain't allowed to intrude, let alone pipes ! And she with a nose like any 
pointer — she'll smell the tobacco, and — oh. law! please, young man, 
go to your own room 1 

Capt To show y(>u the deference I invariably pay to the angelic sex, 
I won't smoke. There's a sacrifice! But you will permit me to re- 
main and examine the many evidences of taste I find in the worthy 
Mrs. Brown's sanctum sanctorum 1 



4 A DECIDED CASE. 

Slubbs. Unhappy fishmonger, I can't ! I don't know the instant sho 
may arrive ! 

Capl. You expect Mrs Brown home then 1 I'm delighted to hear 
it ! I shall have an opportunity of seeing my excellent landlady, at 
last 1 « 

Siubbs. You'd better not, my fine fellow, that I can tell you ! 

Capt. \\'hy, is she such a Tartar? 

Stubbs. Well, not exactly that — but 

Capt Oh I I know ! like the generality of her class, she's a little 
peculiar in temper, eh ? Ah ! they're all the same — from the controller 
of a bare first floor, to the conductor of a well-filled mansion ! 1 think 
I can draw a clairvoyant picture of my landlady, from my experience of 
the genus. A fine, broad, portly dame, is she not — with small, sharp, 
cunning eyes, a ruby nose, and very tight lips. Her impracticable 
finj/ers, fat, slifi*, and sausagy, choked with inexpensive rings, lie 
cushioned on a pair of crimson velvet arms, while, as she waddles along, 
in duck-like dij^nity, a ponderous bunch of keys clanking at her side, 
proclaims her to be the rigid and inflexible jailor of small groceries. 

Stubbs. [Aside.] My wig and slippers ! if Lady Angela was only to 
hear that 'ere description ! She thafs as shapely as a hock-bottle, and 
as delicate and airy as a three quarter bred angel! [Aloud] But, 
good o-racious ! I tell you that if she knew you had even squinted at this 
boudoir through the circumscribed orifice of the key-hole, my place 
would be in danger ! And as for you 

Cif.pt. Well — and as for me 1 

Stithbs. ^VeU— [Aside.] Oh. I wish I could tell him— but I daren't. 
No, he must bust in ignorance, as the immortal bard says. How that 
there door came to beuidocked, I don't know. 

Capt. I do. I had a key that fitted it, and naturally revolting at the 
tyranny which would confine me to the narrow limits of my incon- 
venient quarter, I determined to follow out the doctrines of Manifest 
Bestmy, and annex this enviable region. 

Stui/hs. What 1 You don't mean to tell me that you are going to 
stay here 1 

Gipf. Yes ! 

Stuhb."^. Oh ! this is coming it a little too strong, Mr. Brown ! Pa- 
tience is no longer a virtue, so 1 say, old chap, you'll have to mizz'e, if 
I have the luck to light on a stny policeman. [Goifig-. 

Capt. Wait a minute, Mr. Stubbs ! Sit down — pray do — I want to 
amuse you a little— I won't keep you long. I gave you a slight sketch 
of Mr.<. Brov.-n, the landlady, just now, that appeared to tickle you by 
its truthfulness. There might have been the slightest touch of imagi- 
nation in that picture, but I can draw another, whose veracity I can 
vouch for! Listen, Stubbs: — On Tuesday morning last — let me see — 
it must have been about throe o'clock, when I came home — I vainly 
endeavored to make myself heard at the street door. Well, it certainly 
was an unreasonable time to expect anybody to be up — and I was pre- 
parinsi to go to a hotel, when it occ«jrred to me that I could easily pass 
round to the coach house, and obtain admittance that way. I did so. 
As I went through the servants' hall, I saw a bright light through the 



A DECIDED CASE. O 

chinks of a door, and heard a thorough bass concert, proceeding from 
the interior. Not knowing what danger mit'^ht be apprehended. I turned 
the handle cautiously, and looked in. Have you any idea, Slubbs, what I 
saw there ? 

Stubbs. Distinct ! Go on — out with it all ! 

Cupt. I saw the steady and correct Mr. Stubbs lying on his back, his 
head supported by an empty champagne basket, white, grouped in pic- 
turesque altitudes around llie table, half a dozen unseemly intoxicated 
individuals, gurgled, purred, and snored, in drunkenly discordant undu- 
lation, like a ditch full of exceedingly happy bull-frogs I 

Stubbs. You saw all that, did you ! 

Capt. And more. Stubbs, if I have a predilection in the world, it is 
for green seal Madeira ! Let me see — I think it is about two guineas a 
bottle. Ah, how I envied you. you happy dog ! when I beheld at 
least a dozen deceased bottles, drained of their rich amber blood ! You 
must have tolerably good pickings out of the lodgers, Stubbs, to be en- 
abled to give such recherche entertainments. 

Siabbs. [Drops on his knees.'] Mercy, Mr. Brown ! mercy ! — that 
green seal 

Capt. Came from the landlady's cellar, eh ? 

S/ubbs. It ain't no u.«e to deny it to you — only our little perquisites ! 

Capt. Egad ! Mrs. Brown must have rather a respectable -stock of 
■wines, to judge by the sample I saw ! However, if you implicitly follow 
my directions, and do everything I desire you without comment, perhaj)s 
I may conceal your misconduct. 

Stubbs. Such is the regard that has suddenly sprung up for you, Mr. 
Brown, I can refuse you nothing ! 

Capjt. Now you speak sensibly ! Go into my bedroom, and bring 
me my meerschaum pipes. 

Stubbs. Good gracious ! what for 1 

Capt. Why, for chimney-ornaments, to be sure ! 

Stubbs. But, sir 

Capt. Green seal I 

S/ubbs. All right ! [Exit Stctbbs. c. d. 

Cupt. So far, so good. Egad ! it was lucky I saw the debris of that 
drunken symposium — it has secured me a faithful ally. 

Enter Stubbs, with pipes, c n. 

That's right ! dispose of them gracefully on the mantel. Now bring 
me the foils, boxing-gloves, and one or two overcoats. 

S/ubbs. [Aside.] it's no use kicking ! [Abud] Certainly, Mr. 
Brown ! [Exit, c. 

Capt. Bravo ! By Jove ! I find that fear makes almost as firm and 
useful a friend as affection ! 

Re-enter Stubbs, with things, c. 

That's right ; place the foils on the table, and dispose of the others as 
you please. Stay ! Why shouldn't I have the worth of my m*)ney in 
elegance as well as comfort ] I hate those stingy-loolting covers — take 
them off! 



6 A DECIDED CASE. 

S/iibbs. You don't mean 

CupL Green seal ! 

Stabbs. Ali right ! [Takes off" covers.] I'm a doomed butler ! 

Cupr. [Thrvws himself on couch.] You're a capital fellow, StuWis, 
and when you t>pen a chop-house out of your perquisites — as of course 
yi)u uiil do in time — Fll patronize you. Now. you'll find a saucer of 
ciirar Hslies in tiie next room — bring it here. [Exit Stubbs J If you see 
any stunips, bring them also. A wholesome lesson for my peculating 
friend, I l)tipe. [EnUr Stubbs, c] Now, let's see what we can put 
these ashes in ; I always preserve them for tooth-powder. Ah, here's 
a capital thing — Dresden china, too ! 

St'ibbs Good lord ! articles that my lady values like the happle of 
her heyes. [.4 loud knock.] Mercy on us! here she is ! 

Capt. Give me a pipe — make haste ; and now you can admit the 
landlady. 

Stubbs. Hanged if I ain't goose-flesh all over ! — transportation would 
be delicious to this ! [Exit, c. 

Capt Now, Lady Fortune, all the rest is in your hands. I could 
have approached her in the common way, but she has already made so 
many wear the willow — and, by this stratagem, I can, at least, discover 
if there's the slightest shadow of a hope for me. [^Settles Jumself on 
aofa, feet mi, chair, and pipe in his hand] Here she comes ! — by Jove ! 
my heart flutters like a schoolboy's before examination ! 

[Pretends to sleep. 

Enter Stubbs, c, annoiincing Mrs. St. Legeu. 

Stubbs. [Asidr.] Now, Mr. Brown, I think you'll be slightly disap- 
pointed, confound you ! [Exit, c. 

Mrs. St. Leger enters, on announcement. 

Capt. [Starting up.] I beg ten thousand par [Adde.] This can't 

be she 1 [Aloud.] Pray be seated, madam. Allow me to apologize for 
receiving you in this unceremonious manner. To whom have I the 
honor of speaking 1 

Mrs.JSt.L. My name, sir, is St. Leger ; and you, sir, I presume, 
are 

Capt. Brown, madame, at your service. 

J/r.v. St. L. You are doubtless then aware under what great oblig-a- 
tions I am to your lady. 

Capt. Mv — what, madame 1 

Mrs. St.'L. To Mrs. Brown, sir. 

Capt. Oh 1 — ah ! Yes, I have heard something of your unfortunate 
history. 

A[rs. St. L. No longer unfortunate, sir, thanks to your lady's bounty 
and yours. 

Capt. Madame, I assure you that I have done nothing yet to merit 
your thanks ! 

Mrs. St. L. But your good kind wife has, sir, more than I can ex- 
press, and, consequently, you arc included in the obUgation. 

Capt. [Aside.] This is rather awkward ! — if I undeceive her, I'm 



A DECIDED CASE. 7 

lost ; — Here goes ! [Aloud.] My dear madame, Mrs. Brown is entirely 
mistress of her own actions, and though I cordially approve her conduct 
in the present instance, yet, upon my honor, I have had no part what- 
ever in it. Indeed, in that respect, I beg to assure you, madame, that 
1 am only a lodger. 

Airs St L. Oh ! I understand you. sir ; you generously shrink from 
the expression of a gratitude which it is nevertheless my duty to 
manifest. 

Capl. I wish you wouldn't, madame ! — You embarrass me ; really, now 
that 1 think of it, I did promise myself that Mrs. Brown should not have 
the luxury of doing some little good all to herself — may 1 beg your ac- 
ceptance of this trifling check .* 

Mrs. St. L. So much, sir ! — I cannot — I dare not take it — it is pro- 
fuse — more than \ require. 

Cafd. But less than I can readily afford," and I shall take it very ill if 
you deny me a share in Mrs. Brown's gratification. 

Mrs St L. Under such circumstances, it would be rudeness in me 
longer to refuse, and may the happiness with which you have clothed 
the widow's heart be returned upon your own tenfold. Mrs. Brown's 
note to me, led me to hope that I would have seen her ; — but may I 
presume so far. to expect that you will ireceive my fervent acknowledg- 
ments for both \ 

Capt. No, madame, I dare not — that is to say — I'd rather not receive 
more than my individual — [Aside.'] I'm rapidly getting into the mire. 
[Aloud J Mrs. Brown is expected home every moment — perhaps you 
will be good enough to see — 1 mean — as a woman of the world you 
must see what I mean. 

Mrs. St. L. I confess, sir, I am slightly at a loss — however, I will 
call again directly, perhaps to day. 

Cajpt. That's exactly what I mean, madame, and if you will oblige me 
so far as not to mention the trivial occurrence — t;:at — ah — 

Mrs. St. L. Oh, sir I you do not suppose that I could be silent on a 
theme that has done me so great a service, and you so much honor. 

[Exit. 

Cnpt. Does iti Hem ! That's a matter of opinion. Upon my life, the 
situation was sufficiently perplexincr — it was an impulse — I couldn't 
help it ; a piece of simply accidental benevolence, and yet it has proved 
to me how often I have neglected opportunities of experiencing a glow 
of real enjoyment! But. confound it, I mustn't get sentimental now ! 
[A knock.] Here she comes in earnest I ah I my anxious heart tells me 
1 can't be mistaken this time I 

Enter Stubes, anncmncing. 

Stubbs. Mr. Percival. 

Capt. Confound Mr. Perclval I Who the deuce is he 1 
Stubhs. Don't you know him ! lie's a lawyer ; bo I wish you a plea- 
sant confab together. 

Cajjt. Get out, you scoundrel ! [Exit >Stubbs. 



8 A DECIDED CASE. 

Enter Mb. Percival. 

Per. [As he enters.'] Well, my lady, I think I have pretty good news 
for — a gentleman ! 

Capt. I hope so, sir, lAside."] Egad ! I mustn't prevaricate here! 

Per. Excuse me, sir — [And£.'\ Captain the Hon. Dudley Vere, as I 
live I — P'rom the tenor of Lady Angela's note, I expected td see her 
alone — however, Captain, I can readily perceive that 1 need be under no 
ceremony with you. I presume her ladyship has acquainted you with 
the name of her old friend and confidential adviser, Percival \ — I am 
he. 

Capt. Happy to see you, Mr. Percrval — I am — 

Per. My dear sir, I am a man of the world : — I can see at a glance 
the tender character of the right by which you are so completely at home 
in this privileged retreat. 

Capt. But, my dear sir ! what the devil have I done — this is awful — 
allow me to explain — 

Per. Not a word ! I beg to congratulate you, upon my honor T do ! — 
The property is in the most flourishing condition, the lady every way 
worthy of you ! 

Capt. I assure you, sir, you are mistaken ! I have no right here — a 
mere intruder — in fact, only a lodger 1 

Per. I know ; — man of the world, sir — old hand — can't deceive me — 
private marriage, I suppose — wants to keep it secret ! {^Asidc.] Mum's 
the word — Steady, old campaigner ! — But now to business, if you 
please. 

Capt. I repeat to you, sir, most emphatically, that I dare not interfere 
in Lady Angela's business. 

Per. Weill— not actually, perhaps, but by way of advice] — you 
merely take interest enough in her affairs to do her a service if you 



can 



Capt. Most certainly ! Point out the way, and if it be within the 
compass of endeavor — 

Per. Ah ! — yes I — thought as much — real honeymoon halo about that 
speech ! 

Capt. Sir, I must insist — 

Per. Pardon me — won't offend again — mustn't try to deceive me, 
though. Her ladyship has of course informed you of the vexatious 
litigation in which she has for so long a time been involved with the 
present representatives of the Mudford estate ! 

C<'pt. She has not, sir, and for an excellent reason. 

Per. The best in the world — I know — entirely too early to let these 
realities interfere with love's young dream, as the poets say. Ha, ha ! 
Excuse the remark, and don't be impatient ! — The lands in question are 
far more valuable than her ladyship imagines, and by some singular 
fatality, our opponents, not aware of the strength of their case, have of- 
fered to relinquish upon payment of a small sum — but, alas ! her lady- 
ship's objection to a compromise, places me in an awkward position. 
Now what had we better do 1 

Capt. Pay it, by all means ! 



A DECIDED CASE. 9 

Per. Of course. I knew that would be your answer. You're right. 
I'll trouble you for a check. 

Capt. Me ! 

Per. To be sure. Who else I 

Capt. Weil, whatever happens, it's the least I can do to atone for 
my presumption ! \^Aside^ There, sir! 

Per. And after all this, you pretend that — well, never mind — no 
affair of mine ! You can't pi'event me wishing you and her ladyship 
every happiness ! Good morning, sir! I hope to return very soon 
with the documents which will secure this excellent property to you 
both ! \^Exit Percival, c. 

Capt. It is very evident that I am getting myself into a very ridicu- 
lous kind of a dilemma here — and what's more than that, I have un- 
wittingly involved her ladysliip in a much more compromising predica- 
ment! As a man of honor, jwhat should I do 1 Make a hasty and 
unqualified retreat ? I think so I [^Guhig.'] What! Shamefully abandon 
her to the surmise and suspicion of an uncharitable world 1 Til do 
nothing of the kind. Forbid it, gallantry ! forbid it, manhood ! No ! 
I'll stay and share her embarrassment, and if needs be, end it by a 
courageous self-sacrifice. [A knock.'] Another — visitor, I suppose, for 
my heart's as quiet as a stone ! 

Enter Stubbs, c. 

Well, Stubbs, who is it now I 

Stubb.f. You needn't ask — look at my face ! She's come ! 

Capt. Who, the landlady] 

Stubbs. Exactly so ! 

Capt. [Lyins doim^ Bravo ! You see I'm cool. Now, destiny, 
fate, fortune, or whatever you choose to call yourself, I'm in your 
hands. 

Stubbs. Here she comes, and I feel as if the rope was round my neck, 
and I was just going to be swung off. 

Enter Lady Angela, v}ho carehasly throtcs her travelling cloak over the 
Captain, and sits. 

Lady A. Well. Stubbs, I have arrived at last, a little fatigued with 
my journey, but heartily rejoic<-d lo be in my own quiet home again. 

^Stuhbs. [Aside.] Quiet ! Yes, my lady. [Aside] I'm beginning 
to kick ! 

Lady A. What's the matter, Stubbs? You don't seem glad to see 



me 



Siuhbs. Glad ? Why, no— I mean yes— all right, my lady. . 

Lady A. One would suppose from your manner that my return was 
somewhat malapropos. I gave you sufficient time for preparation. Of 
course the tenant, whose obstinacy you so much complained of, is 
gone ] 

Stubb.f. I suppose, my lady, you mean Mr. Brown 1 

Lady A. Certainly. Mr Brown, the fishmonger. I'm sorry you 
should have had so much trouble with him. 

1* 



10 A DECIDED CASE. 

iSiuhbs. Bless you, it was all a mistake, my lady ! I never met with 
a move praiseworthy gentleman 1 

Lady A. Indeed ! How then was it that your letters were so filled 
witli descriptions of his turbulence and — 

Stubbs. Can it be possible that I so far forgot myself 1 I assure you, 
my lady, a more quiet and orderly a gentleman — 

Lady A. [2'a/ang up loxing-glove.'] Why, what in the name of 
wonder is this \ 

Stiibhs. l^Anidc.'] It's coming ! \^Aloud.'] That, my lady 1 I never 
saw such a thing before in all my life. 

Lady A. What do I see ? Pipes ! Has anybody dared to enter this 
apartment 1 

Stubbs. No — certainly — I believe not ! 

Lady A. Don't attempt to tell me such a falsehood 1 Ah ! look here ! 
"What is this ^ [Ashes. 

Slubbs. That, my lady 1 That's — a — a — dentifrice, my lady ! 

Lady A. Stubbs ! I have a terrible misgiving ! I charge you to 
answer me truly. Is not this abomination cigar ashes 1 

Stubbs. The finest thing in the world for the teeth, my lady ! 

Lady A. Who has been here, Stubbs 1 No prevarication I Tell me 
the truth, and I will endeavor to overlook your faults. 

Stubbs. Well, my lady, since you are so kind — I'll confess that it was — 

Lady A. Whom ] 

Sticbbs. Mr, Brown, the fishmonger, my lady! 

Lady A. And you permitted the audacious person to bring these 
filthy things into my apartment ? 

Stubbs. I couldn't help it, my lady. I tried to prevent him — I mean — 
[A.<<ide.] — oh ! Lord I that confounded green seal waxes up my lips as 
tight as an oyster. 

Lady A. I see you are ashamed of it. Let these implements be sent 
after Brown, as fast as you can. 

Stubbs. After him, my ladyl 

Lady A. Certainly, at once! You don't suppose I can allow them 
to remain ? Pah ! my room feels like a tavern while they are here • 

Stubbs. Yes, mum ! [Captain 7nakes a sign. — Aside.'] Hang me if I 
can stand it any longer! — here goes to run for it ! [Exit hastily, l. n. 

Lady A. Stubbs! — what extraordinar}' conduct! I do believe the 
creature is intoxicated. This comes of entrusting a house to servants. 
Good gracious! what is this 1 A man's overcoat! — and. as I'm a living 
woman, slippers! This is intolerable! \^2}irows herself on cauch, and 
starts up lOJth a screa7n.] There is something alive there, I do believe ! 

Capt. [As if aiuaking, slowly rises.] What a singular thing it is that 
I can't get a few moments' rest in my own house! A lady ! — I beg a 
million of pardons. [I^ady A. pulls hell.] Thank you! you have just 
antici[)atcd me. I was about to ask you to do me that favor. 

Lady A. And pray, sir, who may vou be \ 

Capt. Don't you know me ! I'm IBi-own 1 

Lady A. Mr. Brown, the fishmonger? 

Capt. At your service. I presume I have the pleasure of addressing 
my worthy landlady 1 



A DECIDED CASE. 11 

Enter Stubbs, c. 

Stubbs. [Aside-I Now for the finishing stroke. 

Ladi/ A. Stubbs I — take away 

Capt. Excuse ine ! — Stubbs, put a little coal on the fire. 

Ladij A. Stay ! 

Capt. Go ! [Exit Stubbs,] You're a little stingy in the article of coal, 
Mrs. Brown. Young housekeepers should be economical, I know, but 
lodgers have rights, and I made a special agreement that I should not 
be stinted in fuel. 

Ladi/ A. Well ! — of all the impertinent fishmongers 

Capt. Mrs. Brown, sit down. 

Ladi/ A. Sir, — well I have brought it upon myself! See how even 
the most innocent deceit brings its punishmeat. 

Capt. I'm glad you've come to town, Mrs. Brown, for there are a 
great many little things I wanted to see you about. 

Lady A. There is no necessity to prolong this interview. Sir, I 
desire that you will leave my house immediately. 

Capt. Oh ! dear, no ! Pray, don't imagine that I'm not exceedingly 
comfi)rtable in my apartments. On the contrary, I take the earliest 
opportunity of assuring you that they suit me perfectly, and my petty 
grievances are of minor importance — or consideration. 

Lady A. But, sir 

Copt. You'll remedy them, of couse. To begin, then, with the article 
of breakfast : in the first place, your tea is debilitated ; then your sugar 

Is insufficient ; and as for butter By-the-by, how is Brown? Is 

there a Brown ? — or, do I touch upon soft and sentimental regrets, and 
the lamented Brown is but a memory \ 

Lady A. This is unendurable. Allow me, sir, firmly but decisively 
to tell you that you intrude, 

Capt. By-the by. Stubbs did tell me that you had quite a liking for 
this room, and 1 thought I would pay you the comphment of sharing 
your predilection. it certainly is a remarkably comfortable apart- 
ment. 

Lady A. You cannot be so obtuse, sir, as not to see that your con- 
tinued stay will be impertinent, if not insulting. 

Capt. My dear madam, you are quite unreasonable. You can't have 
a more regular lodger than I, and if I did call your attention to a few 
small items of grocery, it was not so much for my own sake as that you 
.should possess the character of being a liberal and reputable land- 
lady. 

Lady A. [Aside.'] This man would provoke a saint. Such cool impu- 
dence sure never was paralleled. [Aloud.'] One word for all, sir — do me 
the favor to leave my house, 

Capt. For what reason \ 

Lady A. 1 wish to occupy it myself 

Capt. What! — all of \i\ Conie, come, Mrs Brown, that won't do. 
You must give some satisfactory reason ])efore you can eject a tenant 
once in possession, so Fm sorry to say that I cannot comply with your 
desire. 



12 A DECIDED CASE. 

Lady A. I only humble myself by stooping to argument with you. 
I must try other means. [Rmgs. 

Capt. Ah, the coal ! He is a long time bringing it up. Thank you, 
Mrs. Brown. \^Aside ] She has an angelic temper, and what a villain I 
am to try it so unmercifully — but it's my only chance. 

Enter Stubbs, with coal, which he puts on fire. 

Lady A. Stubbs ! 

Stubhs. Yes, my lady. 

Lady A. Oblige me by finding a policeman. 

Stuhbs. Oh, law ! A what, ma'am ? 

Lady A. A policeman ! 

Capt. You know what for, Stubbs. 

Stubhs. Find a policeman, ma'am ! where ? 

Capt. Do as Mrs. Brown requests you, Stubbs — find a policeman ! 
I have no doubt that our worthy landlady wishes to examine her pan- 
tries and her tcine cellar. [Stubbs drops coal-scuttle 

Stubbs. Oh, oh ! I'm ruined ! Oh ! The sharp edge of the scuttle 
right on my foot. 

Lady A. Are you hurt ^ 

Stubbs. Toe oif, ma'am, that's all ! Oh ! there ain't nobody in the 
house but myself, and you want a policeman ! 

Lady A. Much bettor find a doctor, Stubbs. 

Stubhs. Oh, thank you, my lady ! Which shall I get first 1 

Lady A. The doctor. 

Stuhbs. Oh, yes, ma'am , thank you, ma'am. [Aside] Reprieved 
again ! [l^xit. linipni!^^ c. 

Lady A. You see, sir, the position that I am in. without a friend — a 
protector. I entreat you, therefore, not to prolong my embarrassment 
by remaining in the house. 

Capt. Madame, you have conquered — and although my regrets at 
leaving your pleasant apartments are increased ten-fold since I had the 
pleasure of beholding you. yet. as I find it is impossible to eradicate the 
deep aversion you entertain for your tenant, I shall make the only 
recompense I can for ray impertinent intrusion by at once and forever 
vacating the premises. 

Lady A. I did not say that I entertained any aversion, 

Capd. No 1 then, perhaps, we could negotiate for another month. 

Lady A. Good gracious— no, sir! [Aside] The man's pertinacity 
makes me laugh in spite of myself 

Capt. Mrs. Brown, will you deign to listen to the passionate out- 
pouring of a lodger's heart, without sending for a policeman 1 

Lady A. What do you mean, sir ? [Aside.] 1 do beUeve the fish- 
monger is going to make love to me. 

Capt. Madame, a heavy responsibility rests at your door. Before I 
entered these premises, I was a gay, thoughtless, happy, independent 
man. Behold the lamentable reverse ! I take my leave with crushed 
hopes and shattered aspirations, — revelling now in the golden sunlight 
of ideal ecstacy, — now plunged into the dark abyss of real woe. 

Lady A. [Aside.] What on earth is the man talking about 1 



A DECIDED CASE. 13 

Capt. Over the mantle-piece of the apartment I have so long had the 
felicity to occupy, there hangs a portrait 

Lady A. Mine ! 

Capt. Its beauty riveted my gaze, thrilled through my frame, and 
compelled the adoration of my soul the moment I beheld it I 

Lady A. Oh, this is simply preposterous, sir. 

Capt. Hear me out. I'm going as soon as I have done ! Not a 
moment could I take my glance from that fascinating semblance — inly 
woiidrring if such loveliness had indeed a living prototype. Time after 
time have I looked upon those placid features, until I could see the dark 
eyes flash, and the red lips part with a smile, I'm not ashamed to con- 
fess that I loved that picture, at first passionately — and determined, if 
the earth contained the original, I would find her out. Then 1 began to 
reflect that she might possess more than the average share of disagree- 
ables to counterbalance such an abundance of beauty — that perhaps her 
station — excuse me, Mrs. Brown, I do not mean anything personal 

Lady A. [Looking round full for t/ie fist time] Sir I 

Capt. What do I see ] Can it be possible 1 — you, the original ! Oh, 
madame ; oh> Mrs. Brown! if the slightest atom of humanity warms 
your heart, sell me that picture ! 

Lady A. You must be mad, sir ! 

Capt. You won't ? Well, will you give me the originall 

Lady A. Do you know to whom you are speaking, sir 1 

Capt. Certainly— to Mrs. Brown, the landlady. I'm very rich, and 
tolerably good-looking, and can afford to wink at disparity of station. 

Lady A. Sir, I don't know whether your conduct proceeds from 
simple' impudence, or a large admixture of lunacy ! In either case, I 
would prefer to be alone 1 

Capt. Inexorable landlady ! But remember, although you drive me 
from your presence, you cannot drive your image from my heart ! 
Since you wish me gone, I'll go and pack up. 

Lady A. Fishmonger, adieu ! 

Capt. Landlady — au revoir ! [Exit Captain, c. d. 

Lady A. Well, of all the impertinent, presuming incomprehensibili- 
ties I ever met with, this is assuredly the greatest ! It certainly is the 
strangest adventure — and stranger still, all my anger has been quenched 
in the enormity of his impudence ! The fellow is provokingly good- 
looking, too, and is evidently quite aware of his pretensions — but a fish- 
monger — pah I — but is he a fishmonger! — I am not a landlady! — 
What's this ! — I declare that doubt has given me a slight approach to a 
sensation ! — Pshaw ! this is nonsense ; there can be no harm in ques- 
tioning Stubbs, however, just out of curiosity, [Rinirs ] not that it's of 
the slightest interest to me. What a pleasant perfume there is in good 
cigars. 

Enter Stl'bbs. 
Stubbs, I'm very angry with you indeed, to allow my house to be so 
disorganized by this person Who is he ? 

Stubbs. Brown, my lady ! I don't know ; all I can say is, the sooner 
you get rid of him the belter. It's my opinion that he's nothing but 
an impostor. 



14 A DECIDED CASE. 

Captain appears at c. D. 

Zady A. Where does he come from 1 

Sfnbbs. I shouldn't wonder if he caint^ from — 

Copt. [Advances.] Dehghted to find that you take so much interest 
in your lodger as to inquire the place of his nativity : I couie from 
Madeira, niadame. Admirable climate for the production of wine — some 
of it as high as two guineas a bottle I — Stubbs, bring me my overcoat. 

[Exit, c. 

Stubbs. Yes, sir ; certainly, sir. [Takes overcoat, and exit, c d. 

Lady A \_Aside.'\ Deuce take the fellow ! One would suppose 
house and servants were his own. 

Re-C7iter Stubbs, c. 

Stubbs. He wants his pipes and things. He's going, my lady — thank 
fortune ! 

Capt. [ Wifhi7i.] Stubbs ! 

Stubbs. Coming, Mr. Brown ! [Runs off, c D. 

Zadij A. J wish he were once fairly out of the house, or rather that 
he had never come into it. 

Enter Stubbs, c. 

Stubbs. Going for a hack, my lady ! All right, now, I hope ! 

[Exit, L. H. — A knock. 

Lady A. I'm glad there's somebody coming to give me the protection 
of their society. ^A knock at c c] What is it, sir 1 

Capt. [ Within.] I beg your pardon, Mrs. Brown, but I thought it right 
to inform you, that if you don't sell me that picture, or give it to me, it 
is my serious intention to steal it. 

Enter Stubbs, l. ir. 

Stubbs. [Announcing. 1 Mrs. St. Leger ! 

Lady A. Show her in. [Exit Stubbs.] Go away, sir — I have visitors 
coming. 

Eyiter Mks. St. Legkr, l. n. 

Lady A. My dear madame, I'm so glad you're come. Now I'm happy. 

Mrs. St. L. I know you are. ray kind benefactress — very. Your car- 
riage drove up a short time ago. I felt it my duty to call, not only to 
thank you for all the kindness I have received at your hands, but to con- 
gratulate you upon the happiness you express. 

Lady A. What do you mean ! 

Mrs. St. L. Oh ! he's a fine, noble fellow ! 

Lady A. Of whom are you speaking ? 

3/r.s'. St. L. I have seen him, but it was hy accident, I assure you. 

Mrs. A. Seen whom? You are as mysterious as a Sphynx ! 

Mrs. Si. X. Who should I mean but he, that by his profuse generos- 
ity enables me no longer to burthen you. although my gratitude is due 
to you, for it was for your sake only, of course, that he so largely be- 
friended me. 

Lady A For gracious' sake, tell me to whom you allude. 



A DECIDED CASE. 15 

Mrs. Sf. L. Why, to the gentleman I saw here to-day — your kind- 
hearted husband, Mr. Brown ! 

Ludi^ A. Mr. Blown ? 

Cup/.. \^At c. d] The fishmonger, and no relation whatever, my good 
madainc, to his namesake, the worthy landlady of this eslablishmerit. 

Li«/i/ A. \Vas ever anybody placed in such a singular and annoying 
position { 

Mrs. St L. Pray, niadame, pardon me ; but from the similarity of 
names, and finding the gentleman at home here, I was led into the very 
natural error. 

Lacli/ A. It's not your fault, Mrs. St. Leger. I am rejoiced for your 
sake, that Mr. Brown has so befriended you. Whatever dilemma I may 
be in, 1 have only myself to blame. 

Mrs. St. L. I see you are embarrassed,, madame, and regret, more than 
I can express, that I seem to be the cause of it. \^A kiwck.'\ As you 
have other visitors callinir, permit me, most thankfully, to take my leave. 

Ladj A. I will explain this to you some future day. Good morning. 

\_ExU Mrs. St. Legkr. 
Enter Stubbs. 

Stuhbs. \^Announcing -I Mr. Percival. 

Enter Percival. 

Per. My dear Lady Angela, you're welcome to town. Permit me to 
congratulate you. 

Lady A. On what, Mr. Percivall 

Per. Well, not exactly — on — hem ! — you know. But we have con- 
quered — the estate is yours — here are the papers which confirm your 
title. 

Lady A. Is it possible, Mr. Percival 1 — that tedious lawsuit ended 1 

Per. Whv, didn't he tell you 1 

Lady A. Who? 

Per. Sly rogue ! To me, too, such an old and tried friend ! to tell 
the truth, but for him the matter would have turned out far differently, 
for it was only after all the papers were signed that our opponents 
found out that they had made a mistake. There ! [IIa?ids paper. 

Lady A. I thank you most heartily, my good friend ! 

Per. P.shaw ! Thank him, and love him, for he deserves it. 

Lady A. Love whom ? You are as mysterious as the rest ! 

Per. You mustirt try and humbug me. It's all sa^'e, if you wish it 
kept private — I don't know why you should ! The fact is, I saw him 
this morning. 

Lady A. Saw him 1 

Per. Yes, and settled all this with him. 

Lady A. With whom ! 

Per. [Taking up smoking-cap'] With the owner of this ! 

Lady A. Brown 1 

Enter Captain, c. d., with carpet-bag. 

Copt. The fishmonger — about to seek a new lodging 1 - :-y 



J0 A DECIDED CASE. 

Enter Stubs s. ^ 

Stubbs. The carriage has come. What shall I pass in first 1 

Capt. A dozen of ^'reen — 

Stubbs. Dozen of shirts 1 Yes, sir ! Til wait below ! — I won't be 
safe till he's off! [Exit. 

Per. Hey (ley ! What's the meaning of this ] A tiff already % You 
don't look a bit like husband and wife ! 

£oth. Sir! 

Lachi A Don't be ridiculous, Mr. Percival ! Why should we look 
like anything of the kind ? 

Capt. You don't suppose, sir, that I am the husband of Mrs. Brown, 
the landlady 1 

Per. Ha! ha! That's good ! The Lady Angela Villiers, Mrs. Brown, 
the landlady ! 

Capt. What's that I hear 1 

Lady A. Did you imagine, sir, that I was the wife of Mr. Brown, the 
fishmonger T 

Per. Capital ! Fine masquerading, my friends ! Captain the Honor- 
able Dudley Vere, brother and heir apparent to old Lord Wimbledon — 
Mr. Brown, the fishmonger ! Ha, ha ! I'm an old campaigner ! You 
can't deceive me I I'm glad to find, however, that the misunderstand- 
ino- is not a serious one. There, go along, you young fools ! Take 
arrold fox's advice — never encourage small clouds of temper, or in 
time their accumulation will overshadow the very brightest lot. I see 
vou're a.shamed of yourselves, so I'll make my escape, while you tiss 
and be friends. [Exit. 

Capt. [After a pause.] Mrs. Brown ! 

Lady A. Mr. Brown ! 

Capt. Lady Angela, it is now, I trust, necessary for me to say that I 
was aware of your identity through all. Impelled by a true and un- 
controllable love, I dared to risk this coup-de-main, rather than trust to 
the chances of a regular siege. With the accidental circumstances 
which aided me, I had nothing to do. I would blush for myself did I 
resort to such unworthy means ! Can you forgive me? 

Jjudy A. What am I to do ? You have left me no alternative. I am 
wholly compromised in the eyes of my friends, and of course the world. 
Come what may, they will always associate us together. 

Capt. I know a way to put a stop to that. 

Lady A. Indeed ! 'V\'hat is it 1 

Capt. Let us get married, and then they'll separate us just as 
quickly. 

Lady A. Perhaps it would be the easiest way to get rid of you. 

Capt. A thousand thanks for that word. Let me on this sweet 
hand — 

Lady A. Stop, sir! Have you the presumption to suppose that I 
will surrender at discretion after so ridiculously short a siege ! 

Capt. Certainly ! I saw irresolution in your eye, and you know the 
woman who hesitates is lost ! 

Lady A. I did not hesitate. 

Capt. Well, then, you're found, and that's a great deal more agree- 



A DECIDED CASE. 17' 

able. It is no use for you to buflet against the waves of destiny — they 
irresistibly bear you toward my encircling arms, therefore taiie my ad- 
vice — float quietly into them, and let them lovingly harbor you forever ! 

[Bicsiness. 

Lady A. I won't — it's too sudden — I haven't reflected — 

Capt. Plenty of time for reflection by-and-by ; it will come at its 
legitimate hour, never fear ! Now don't imagine for a single instant 
that I shall meanly take advantage of circumstances to force an inclina- 
tion which should be spontaneous. Dismiss me but with a look, and to 
other climes my small carpet-bag I'll bear, and live alone on the recol- 
lection of the past. 

Lady A. \'eiy romantic and considerate, I must say, sir, but I do not 
see how your insufficient diet can remedy the wound you have inflicted 
upon my position and character. 

Capt. Alas I there is but one remedy for that. 

Lady A. Which is 

Capt. To change the character of your position. Such wounds are 
only to be healed by the adhesive plaster of matrimony. 

Lady A. How absurd you are, sir ! Why, I have not known you an 
hour yet. 

Capt. My dear madam, did it never occur to you what an immensity 
of time a whole hour is in our ephemeral existence \ In the slow old 
antediluvian eras, a young fellow of two hundred and fifty might be 
pardoned, if he took half a century or so to deliberate ; but in this rapid 
age, happiness must be reached by railroad. Pause but a moment, and 
you lose the train. 

Lady A. You surely have not the folly to imagine that I listen to 
your impertinences with the slightest degree of interest. 

Capt. Far be it from me to indulge in any such presumptuous thought. 
I only know that you do listen — most convincing proof that I have at 
least conquered your indifference. 

Lady A. It is simple courtesy alone detains me here. I but wait for 
you to take your departure. 

Capt. Upon the instant. [Getting carpet-bag.] Your lodger leaves at 
once, if you declare truly and fro.m your heart that you desire no 
further association with him than that of landlady and tenant — remem- 
ber I have paid my rent and got a receipt. 

Lady A. Such association was merely temporary, sir — and I request 
that it may be forgotten. 

Capt. [Flinging away carpet-hag.'] Forgotten ! forever ! Memory 
perishes upon the flaming altar of hope — the lodger is merged in the 
lover, and temporary associations are abandoned for those of a more 
permanent nature. 

Lady A. Good gracious, sir ! I said nothing to warrant such an 
outburst of enthusiastic nonsense. 

Capt. Not a word, I grant you — but the inference was obvious to 
the meanest capacity. What a pity it is that you dare not follow the 
prompting of your own honest impulse now, and putting your hand in 
mine say that you accept me as your suitor — I won't gay husband just 
yet, for fear you might think me rather precipitate. 



18 A DECIDED CASE. 

Lady A. You are absolutely unendurable ! Suppose I were to make 
a public exposure of this unwarrantable persecution, what do you 
ima<,nne would be the result \ 

Capt. [Laughing.] Excuse me, but T am exceedingly anxious to know 
what kind of a case you would make out. Now just fancy for a iew 
moments, that, instead of being in your own quiet boudoir, you were 
face to face with a brilliant deU^gation from the beauty and intelligence 
of the community, how would you proceed ! 

Lady A. I should go forward, and say, ladies and gentlemen. 

Capt. Exactly, and' they would probably encourage you in their own 
peculiar way. 

Ladi/ A. Don't interrupt me. 

Capt. You wouldn't say that, surely 1 Pardon me— go on. 

Ladt/ A. Ladies and gentlemen — I, that is to say, you, I mean 

Capt. You see, vou haven't a single straw of chance for drowning con- 
fidence to grasp at, consequently I should be obliged to rush mercifully 
to your rescue, thus : Most excellent, discriminating, and judicious public, 
both plaintiff and defendant, fearing the law's delay, and perfectly willing 
to abide by the decision of the majority, leave the termination of the 
affair entirely in your hands. Therefore, as many of you as are of opinion 
that I have done nothing but what was entirely according to the rules 
of the Supreme Court of Cupid, will signify the same by saying ay— on 
the contrary — it is a vote 

Lady A. I shall appeal. 

Capt. You can't — it's a decided case. 



THE END, 



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[Catalogue continued from second page of cover. "^ 



VOL. XVI. 

lai. The Tempest, 

122. Tlic Pilot, 

1-23. Carpenter cf Rouen, 

124. Kinj^'s Rival, 

125", fiitile Trca'?nre, 

i'ifi. non)l)y & Son, 

127 Parents and Guardians, 

128. Jewess. 



VOL. XVIL 

129. Cauiille 

130. M>rried Life, 

131. WerlockofWenlock 

132. Rose of Ettrickvale, 
13.1 David Cnpperfieid, 

134. Aline or the Rose of 

135. Pauline. [Killarney, 

136. Jane Eyre. 



VOL. XVIIL 

137. Nipht and Morning, 

138. iT:thiop, 

1.39. Three Guardsmen, 

140. Tom Crinple, 

141. Henriette.theForsak'n 

142. Eustache Baudin, 

143. Ernest Maltravers, 

144. BoldPragoons. 



I 145. 

j 146. 

J 47. 
\ 148. 
i 149. 

150. 
' 151. 
! 152. 



VOL XIX. 




VOL. XX. 


VOL. XXL 


Dred ; or, the Dismal 


153. 


French Fpy. 


161. Airs Fair in Love. 


Swamp. 


154. 


Wept of Wish-ton- 


162. Hofer. 


Last Days of Pompeii. 




Wish. 


163. Self. 


E.smeralda. 


155. 


Evil Genius. 


Ifi4. Cinderella. 


Peter VVilkins. 


I.i6. 


Ben Bolt. 


165. Phantom. 


Ren the L'oaiswain. 


1.57. 


Failor of France. 


166. Franklin. 


Jonathan Bradford. 


158. 


Red Mask. 


167. The Gun Maker of 


Retribution. 


159. 


Life of an Actress. 


Moscow. 


Mineralli. 


160. 


Wedding Day. 


168. The Love of a Prince. 



THE SPANISH WIFE: by Samuel M. Smucker, Esq^ with a Portrait and Me- 
moir of EDWIN FORREST. Price 12>^ cents. 

THE OATH OF OFFICE ; by Chael«s Jamks Cannon, Esq., with a Portrait of 
the Author. Price 12>^ cents. 

GUTILE AND GULPIT. Price 12^ cents. 

TEN OF THE ABOVE PLAYS FOR «1 00. 



American Plays 12J Cents each, or 10 fob SLOO, 

g^* All orders will receive prompt attention. 
N. B. — A new play published every week. 

8. FRENCH, 122 Nassau Street, up stairs, N. Y 

^^ Important change in the Postage law. All transient matter must be Pre-paid. 

^^ Plays sent by i>!ail, and Postage Pre-paid, on receipt of 12j^ cents each, In 
money or stamps. 10 Plays sent by Exprees for $1 00. 



/ 



FRENCH'S MINOI 

Pkice 12^ Cents each — Bou> 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



VOL. I. 

1. The Irish Attorney, 
'2. Roots Mt the Swan, 

3. IIow to pay the Rent, 

4. The Loan of a Lover, 

5. The Dead Shot, 

6. His Last Legs, 

7. The Invisible Prince, 

8. 'J'he Golden Farmer. 
With a Portrait and Memoir 

of Mr, JOILX SEFTON. 

VOL. IV. 

25. Secret Service, 
26 Omnibus, 
27. Irish Lion, 
28 Maidof Croissey, 
29. The Old Guard, 
30 Raising the Wind, 
3L Slasher and Crasher, 
32. Naval Engagements. 
With a Portrait and Memoir 
of MssUOSE TELBIxN. 



VOL. II. 

9, The Pride of the Market 

10. Used Up, 

11. The Irish Tntor, 

j2. The Barrack Room, 

13. Luke the Laborer, 

14. IJeantv and ihe Beast, 
15 St. Patrick's Eve. 

16. Cai'tJ'Ji^ oClhc Watch. 

With a Portraiiand Menioir 

of ftliss C. WEMYSS. 

VOL. V. 

33. Cocknies in California, 

34. Who Speaks Fir.st, 

35. Bombasies Furioso, 

36. Macbeth Travestie, 

37. Irish Ambassador, 
38- Delicate Ground, 
39. 'J'he Weathercock, 




rtrc./jai: 

17. ThcSt-crct, 

18. Whil*>lJorsG of the Pcp- 
PJ. The .ft^ftbitc, [i)€rs, 

20. The liotilc, 

21. Box and Cox, 

22. B mboozlin'T, 

23. Widow's Victim, 

24. Robcil Macaire. 

Wiih a Portrait and Menioir 
ofMr.F. S.CHANFRAU. 

VOL. VL 

4L Grimshaw. Bagshaw, 
and iiradshaw, 

42. Rough Diamond, 

43. Bloomer CostumOy 

44. Two Bonnycastlcf:, 

45. Born to Good Lucl , 
40. Kiss in the Dark, 



of W. A. COODALL. 

VOL. VIL I VOL. VIIL 

49. Box and C 'X Married 57. Morning Call, 

50. St. Cupid, [and Settled, i5H. Popping the Qnestion 



40. All that Glitters is not 47, 'Twould Puzzle a Con 
Gold. i48. Kill or Cure. [juror, 

With a Portraiiand Memoir W^ith a Portrait nnd Memoir 

i 



51. Go to bed Tom 

52. The Lawyers, 

53. J ick SI eppard, 

54. The Toodlcs. 

55. The Mobcap, 
50. Ladies Beware. 

With a Portrait at d Memoir 
of SOL SMITH. 



59, Deaf as a Post, 
CO. New Fooiman, 

61. Pi.-^s-tiit Neighbor, 

62. Paddy the Piper, 

63. Bryan O'Lynn. 

64. Irish Assurance. 



VOL. XL 



of F. M. KE.NT, 

VOL. IX. 

65 Temptation, 
GO. Patidy Carey, 

67. Two Gregories, 

68. Kii.g Chi'.rming, 

69. Pocahontas, 

70. Clockniaker's Ilaf, 
71 Married Rake, 

72, JAwe and Murder, 



SI. O'Flr-nnigan andFairies 

82. Irish Post, 

83. My Neighbor's Wife, 

84. Irish Tiger. 

85. P. P. or Man ami Tiger, 

86. To Oblige Benson, 
«7. State Secrets, 
88. ii-iiA Yankee. 

VOL XIV. 

105. The l>emon Lover 

lOti. Matrimony. 

107, In »nd Out of Place. 

1(18, 1 Dine with my Mother, 

H)9. Hiawatha. 

no. Andy Blake. 



VOL. XII. 

89. A Good Fellow, 

90. (Cherry and Fair Stn 
9L Gale Breezely, 

92. Our .lemimy, 

93. Miller's Maid, 

94. A\vkwnrdArrival, 

95. Crossirfi! the Line, 
90. Conjugar Lesson. 



VOL. X. 

73. Ireland and America, 

74. Pretty Piece of Business, 

75. Irish Broom-maker, 

76. To Paris and Back for jCS 

77. '1 hat Blessed Baby, 

78. Our Gal, 

79. Swiss Cottage, 

80. Young Widow. 

VOL. XIIL 

97. My Wife's Mirror. 

98. Life in New York, 
99 Middy Ashore. 

100. frown Prince. 

101. Two Queens. 

102. Thumping Legacy. 

103. Unfinished Gentleman. 111. Love in '76. 

104. House Dog. I 1 ^ _ 
J3f^ American Plays 12>^ cents each. ?C!it by Mail, on receipt of prieo, 

N. B.— A new Play published every week. 

S, FREvCTL 122 Nassau Street, New York. 
5^~ See extract from new Postage Law, on preoieding page. 






